A recent article by Hattie Gladwell featured in The Metro newspaper highlights the difficulties of travelling on public transport with a hidden disability.

In the article, Hattie said: “I first realised I was too scared to ask anyone to give up their seat for me on public transport when I was experiencing crippling pain in my abdomen while commuting home from work…”

Commuters were unaware that Hattie was recovering from reversal surgery after having had her large intestine removed due to it almost perforating after suffering with ulcerative colitis, a form of inflammatory bowel disease.